Without further digression I will continue my narrative. Thekla, on this occasion, gave proof, at least, that self-command was not wanting in one of her gentle character. She continued to listen with apparent interest to the music, and declined a smelling-bottle pressed officiously upon her by the jealously watchful Melusina. She tried to appear as if she saw nothing; but if blinded, it was not by her instinct, which was too true, but by the tears which filled her eyes. Mademoiselle von Söhran, who in reality cared little for her, and nothing for the circumstance, at this moment unfortunately addressed some remark, in a confidential tone, to Conrad; of which, intent only on the Princess, and engaged with his own deep feelings of compassion for her, he took not the slightest notice. The observation, whatever it was, repeated a second time, fell utterly unheeded on his ear. His eyes were fixed, his attention concentrated on Thekla; whose distress visibly increased as she perceived the curious gaze of all around her, and heard the whispered comments-however, partially suppressed-on the strange conduct of the Prince, her husband; who, apparently ignoring, or at least indifferent to the remarks of the bystanders, remained chained to the chair of the all-accomplished syren--lavishing upon her the most devoted attentions, in the face of the assembled spectators. Melusina, with the characteristic penetration that belongs to her sex in love affairs, immediately saw that something more than an ordinary feeling of pity rendered Conrad so insensible to her communications, (he, usually so polite and attentive to her on all occasions); and also that that feeling must be forthwith counteracted, if she wished to preserve the influence she was desirous of establishing over him. Casting a scowl of intense jealousy upon Thekla, the hapless, but innocent cause of the malignant feeling of hatred which was rapidly gaining a mastery over her soul, she turned from him with indignant scorn, and gratified her vanity by bestowing an unwonted degree of favour on one of her more humble admirers, who happened to stand near. Conrad, in the meantime, devoted himself to Thekla with the most respectful attention: perceiving the faintness that seemed to be stealing over her, he called Miss Temple to supply the place of the almost insolent lady-in-waiting, who had quitted her mistress at the moment when her assistance might have been useful; and the Princess was indebted to the care of these two really-attached friends for a timely escape from a nervous attack, that might have had serious consequences. No part of all this scene was lost upon Miss Temple whose anxiety, fortunately, was strong enough to keep down the observations to which even her quiet nature was on the point of giving utterance. She supplied Thekla with some strong restorative, and begged Conrad to despatch a servant to the palace to order her room to be immediately prepared. Thekla spoke not a word; but was speedily conveyed, attended by her friends, though neglected by her husband, to her splendid, but comfortless home. VOL II. I CHAPTER VI. Une femme est comme votre ombre: courez après, elle vous fuit, fuyez la, elle court apres vous. ALFRED DE MUSSET. Count each affliction whether light or grave AUBREY DE VERE. Prince THEKLA was ill for many days. Peter paid her a little more attention, but made no alteration in his general conduct. Melusina's neglect of her duties became apparent to the whole court. She seemed to have taken a |